RESUMO
Martial arts training focuses on whole-body movement patterning, philosophy, interpersonal interactions, and functional self-defense. Such training has positive impacts on physical, psychological, and cognitive well-being in older adults and children with and without clinical conditions. We hypothesize that martial arts training can be delivered as a form of exercise therapy for people at all ages to enhance overall health.
Assuntos
Terapia por Exercício , Artes Marciais , Criança , Humanos , Idoso , Artes Marciais/psicologiaRESUMO
This quasi-experimental study investigated effects of Tai Chi Chuan training on stereotypic behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder. Twenty-three participants (mean age = 9.60 ± 1.40 years) were assigned to experimental (N = 12) and control (N = 11) groups. The experimental group received 12 weeks of Tai Chi training and all participants had pre, post, and one-month follow-up assessments. Stereotypic behavior measured using Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2 Scores, was significantly altered by ~ 25% in the Tai Chi Chuan group. Behavioral change was maintained at follow up since there was no significant difference between that and the posttest. In conclusion, Tai Chi Chuan training is a useful and appropriate intervention to modulate behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.